Kia ora and greetings! Welcome to Chris Skinner's official website

Chris is a Marist Priest from New Zealand living in Auckland. He is presently involved in the formation of Marist priests/brothers at the Marist Seminary. Previously his work included teaching, work with youth at risk, school chaplaincy and pastoral work at an inner city parish.

Live in Concert at St Patricks Cathedral

Fr Chris is pleased to announce the release of his new album

‘Holy Land’

The album is dedicated to his mother Catherine Grace Skinner who died in August 2016. He has recorded ‘Amazing Grace’ for the first time to honour her memory. The album comprises of 2 Discs. The 10 new songs on Disc 1 connect with the pilgrimage tour he led to Jordan and Israel in June 2016 and the 30 day retreat he began at St Beunos in Wales. Disc 2 features Chris singing with his Mum, 4 songs recorded between 1995-97. Further information including song titles can be found under the album title ‘Holy Land’ and ‘Ordering information’.

His other albums including ‘Angel of the Forest’ 2015 featuring lyrics by Fr James Lyons and ‘A Noble Work’ (Songs of Love and Mercy) 2014 are still available. See Albums.

In 2012 he returned to the Hawkes Bay, living and working at Maryknoll at the Marist International Novitiate for one year. He had trained at the Mission( Mt St Marys Seminary) from 1978-85 and was ordained at St Mary's Taradale in 1985.

As a singer/songwriter and recording artist, he has been writing and performing his songs for many years. He began recording his music in 1990 and now has numerous albums to his credit. 'Like a beautiful Day' was released in 2010 and 'Reason to Believe', a joint album with Christchurch based singer, Janice Bateman, was released in 2014.

His songs have been inspired by his faith and reflect a love of nature, a respect for life, the dignity of the human person and a commitment to peace and justice.

Many songs flow from his personal experience, listening to the stories of others and the insights gained through the wisdom and insights of mentors and teachers.

In 2007 he was voted artist of the year on Southern Star Radio and his version of 'You raise me up' won song of the year 2008 on the same network.

His popular songs include 'Awesome God' and 'Sons of Gallipoli'.

On February 23, 2013 he was one of the opening acts for Barry Gibb and Carol King at the Mission Concert and performed with Janice Bateman at the same venue for the British and Irish invasion tour in 2014.